Patricia 'Patty' Charlton Named Permanent NSHE Chancellor, Ushering in a New Era for Nevada Higher Education
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has officially named Patricia 'Patty' Charlton as the permanent chancellor, a pivotal milestone for the state's educational landscape. This announcement follows an exhaustive nationwide search that sought a visionary leader capable of addressing Nevada's unique educational and economic priorities. Charlton, who has served as interim chancellor since 2022, steps into the role with a profound understanding of NSHE's challenges and operations, coupled with a proven track record of effective leadership.
A Rigorous and Inclusive Search Process
The search for NSHE’s new chancellor began in January 2025 under an ad hoc Chancellor Search Committee chaired by Regent Susan Brager. Partnering with the renowned search firm Greenwood Asher & Associates, the committee conducted a robust and inclusive process, aiming to identify a candidate who embodied the vision and values critical for Nevada’s evolving needs. As part of this process, the group meticulously developed a leadership profile outlining the desired attributes for the role, emphasizing values such as transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. A commitment to student success, visionary leadership, and the ability to address workforce challenges were cited as essential qualifications for the position.
The search process exemplified the Board of Regents' dedication to ensuring that NSHE remains a driving force for educational excellence and economic development in Nevada. With her steady interim leadership and comprehensive experience within NSHE, Charlton emerged as a top candidate, offering a clear and ambitious vision for the future.
Bridging a Transition Period with Stability
Charlton’s journey to becoming the permanent chancellor followed a transitional phase for NSHE, beginning with her appointment as interim chancellor in 2022. This period was marked by significant changes, including the resignation of former chancellor Melody Rose. During her time as interim leader, Charlton demonstrated her ability to navigate complex challenges while fostering stability and continuity within the system.
Her leadership during this time focused on addressing critical priorities for NSHE, including student success, workforce alignment, and institutional collaboration. Charlton also articulated a vision for the future that resonated broadly with various stakeholders, positioning her as the natural choice for the role. Her permanent appointment not only fills a leadership gap but also underscores the Board of Regents' confidence in her ability to guide NSHE toward a stronger, more cohesive future.
Leading Nevada’s Education and Economic Priorities
The Nevada System of Higher Education encompasses eight institutions, ranging from universities like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), to community colleges such as the College of Southern Nevada. Together, these institutions serve a diverse array of students and play a vital role in fueling Nevada’s social and economic growth. As permanent chancellor, Charlton will oversee these institutions and lead efforts to align them with the state’s long-term educational and workforce goals.
Key to Charlton’s leadership will be her focus on fostering student success across Nevada’s diverse communities and promoting accessibility to high-quality education. Additionally, advancing workforce-aligned strategies and building synergies between academia, government, and industry will be central to addressing the state’s dynamic economic landscape. With Nevada’s rapid growth and its increasing need for skilled workers in emerging industries, Charlton is uniquely poised to craft solutions and drive transformational progress.
In her role, Charlton also faces the challenge of ensuring that higher education remains a key driver of equity and opportunity for all Nevadans. From enhancing financial access to education to evolving curricula that meet future workforce demands, her leadership will help chart a course for inclusive, forward-thinking progress.
Optimism and Confidence in Charlton’s Vision
Charlton’s appointment as permanent chancellor represents a new chapter in the story of Nevada’s higher education system. Regent Susan Brager, who chaired the search committee, emphasized the significance of finding a leader deeply committed to inclusiveness, collaboration, and innovation—qualities that Charlton has consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure. Feedback from students, faculty, and communities across Nevada has been overwhelmingly optimistic, reflecting hopes for stability and growth under her leadership.
The Board of Regents has expressed full confidence in Charlton’s ability to lead NSHE into an era marked by bold initiatives and enduring progress. Her leadership promises to strengthen the system's role as a cornerstone of Nevada’s economic and social development, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for the state’s learners, educators, and industries.
A Forward-Focused Future for NSHE
As Patricia 'Patty' Charlton officially takes the helm as permanent chancellor, her leadership reflects not just the close of a transitional period but the beginning of a forward-focused trajectory for Nevada’s higher education system. Her strategic vision, combined with unwavering dedication to student success and workforce development, underscores the critical role NSHE plays in shaping the future of the state. With Charlton at its helm, the Nevada System of Higher Education is primed to elevate its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring that education remains a transformative force for Nevada’s people and economy for years to come.